Corporal punishment in schools should be abolished: Argumentative Essay

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Last Updated on February 20, 2025 by sanjjeett

Hello students, we are providing English Essays for ICSE students. These essays are useful for ICSE Class 9 and 10 studying students. The resources for English Essays are not proper and organised. So, to help students we have created English Essays Series for ICSE students. In this article, you will find an argumentative essay on “Corporal punishment in schools should be abolished”

SubjectEnglish
Type of EssayArgumentative Essay
Essay onCorporal punishment in schools should be abolished
BoardICSE
ClassClass 9 and 10
Important LinkEnglish Essays for ICSE Class 9 and 10

“Corporal punishment in schools should be abolished.” Give your views for or against the statement.

  • Introduction: What is corporal punishment? It should be abolished.
  • School is detested by students.
  • It inhibits the child’s natural urge to learn.
  • Results in school dropouts and often causes grievous injury.
  • Affects personality development of the student.
  • Conclusion: Need to ban corporal punishment.

Corporal punishment is meted out to students in school by teachers, for minor act of indiscipline or misbehaviour. This is a retributive form of punishment in which teachers resort to caning or spanking. The objective of awarding such form of punishment is to deter others from committing the same mistake. This concept and method of punishment, is not conducive to education in school, which is a temple of learning.

Students go to school to acquire knowledge and to add to their mental acumen, rather than be subjected to torture and humiliation which erodes their self esteem and confidence. Such schools become a dignified prison, where students follow set rules and procedures, the non-compliance of which invites immediate retribution. Thus instead of looking forward to another day at school, students are happy staying away from it, defeating the very objective of a school.

Corporal punishment also inhibits their mental faculty, which gets clouded with fear and apprehension. It curtails the natural urge of experimenting and learning through trial and error, which is vital in the learning process. The lurking fear of punishment on committing a mistake dampens their initiative. They thus remain content in following rules, which curb their creative talent to do things differently.

Often such punishment has a telling effect on the morale of the student who avoid going to school. Apart from physical injury, the embarrassment that accompanies it has a profound effect on the psychology of the young pupil. They detest the school and its tormentors and often drop out of school. Thus not only does it kill the desire to acquire knowledge, but also changes the course of their life, turning them a criminal or an anti-social element. There are also instances, of students being crippled for life or even dying, because of being subjected to severe form of corporal punishment.

Corporal punishment also has a crippling effect on the personality of the students shattering their self-confidence and self-belief. They are temperamentally nervous and lacking in drive and initiative. This reflects in their lack of creativity and self-esteem which makes them a misfit in the society.

Indeed the days of ‘Spare the rod and spoil the child’ are over. There is an urgent need to ban corporal punishment in schools if the quality of education is to be enhanced. It is encouraging to note that many institutions have done away with this form of punishment. Moreover doing away with corporal punishment would encourage more and more students to go to school. This would benefit the society, for in the words of Victor Hugo, “He who opens a school door, closes a prison.”

Looking for more essays? Check out our complete ICSE English Essays Hub for all topics.

Also check

Guidelines for writing an argumentative essay

  • Jot down all the points that come to your mind under the heads ‘for’ and ‘against’.
  • Decide whether you are going to write ‘for’ or ‘against’ the statement. In case you are to discuss or give advantages and disadvantages, then you have to dwell on both aspects of the subject.
  • Begin with a statement of your assertion on the issue, whether it is for or against the proposition. State its importance and relevance.
  • In the body of the composition justify your assertion, by giving practical, and historical evidence, to substantiate your point.
  • Begin each point/justification in a separate paragraph, substantiating it logically.
  • Refute your opponents arguments/points already listed by you point by point, with practical and historical evidence to support your assertion.
  • Don’t use first person. Instead of saying, “I don’t think global warming is worth worrying about”, you may say, “A two degree rise in temperature over the next hundred years makes global warming a trivial problem.”
  • Reserve your strong points or argument towards the end.
  • Conclude with a well-thought out personal view on the subject.

Pitfalls of writing an argumentative composition

Having chosen your line of argument, do not waiver, by acceding to the point in favour of the opposition. You may only do so if you are required to discuss the subject, where you have to dwell on both the aspects.

Writing this type of composition is very rewarding. You should attempt it only if you have complete knowledge of the subject. Illogical arguments or arguments not properly supported by factual data or evidence would be counter-productive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on English Essays

Q1: What types of essays are included for ICSE Class 9 and 10 students?

A1: Essays for ICSE Class 9 and 10 students typically include descriptive essays, narrative essays, argumentative essays, and reflective essays. These essays cover a range of topics from personal experiences and observations to debates on social issues and creative writing.

Q2: What is the structure of a well-written essay for ICSE exams?

A2: A well-written essay typically follows this structure:
Introduction: Introduce the topic and present the thesis statement or main idea.
Body: Develop the main points or arguments with supporting details and examples. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the topic.
Conclusion: Summarize the key points and restate the thesis in light of the arguments made. Offer a closing thought or reflection.

Q3: How can I improve my essay writing skills for ICSE exams?

A3: To improve your essay writing skills, practice regularly and seek feedback on your work. Focus on organizing your thoughts clearly, using appropriate vocabulary, and adhering to grammatical rules. Reading various essays and writing on different topics can also help enhance your skills.

Q4: Are there specific formats to follow for different types of essays?

A4: Yes, different types of essays may have specific formats:
Descriptive Essays: Focus on vividly describing a person, place, or event. Use sensory details to paint a clear picture.
Narrative Essays: Tell a story or recount an experience with a clear sequence of events and personal reflections.
Argumentative Essays: Present a clear argument on a topic, supported by evidence and counterarguments.
Reflective Essays: Reflect on personal experiences or events, exploring their significance and impact.

Q5: How important is it to adhere to word limits for ICSE essays?

A5: Adhering to word limits is important as it demonstrates your ability to convey ideas concisely and effectively. It also ensures that you follow exam guidelines and avoid overloading your essay with unnecessary information.

Q6: Can you provide tips for writing a compelling argumentative essay?

A6: To write a compelling argumentative essay:
Choose a Clear Position: Clearly state your stance on the issue.
Provide Strong Evidence: Support your arguments with facts, statistics, and examples.
Address Counterarguments: Acknowledge and refute opposing views to strengthen your position.
Conclude Effectively: Summarize your arguments and restate your position in a convincing manner.

Q7: Are there any common mistakes to avoid in ICSE essays?

A7: Common mistakes to avoid include:
Off-Topic Writing: Ensure your essay directly addresses the given topic or prompt.
Poor Organization: Structure your essay logically with clear paragraphs and transitions.
Overuse of Complex Vocabulary: Use vocabulary appropriately and avoid using words you are not comfortable with.

Q8: Where can I find additional resources for writing English essays?

A8: Additional resources for writing English essays can be found in:
Textbooks: Refer to your ICSE English textbooks for guidance and examples.
Online Guides: Explore educational websites and writing guides for tips and sample essays. XamContent offer a large number of English essays for icse students.

Corporal punishment in schools should be abolished: Argumentative Essay

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